About Teton County
Teton County, Montana, is located in the north-central part of the state along the eastern front of the Rocky Mountains. Teton County Seat is Choteau, a community of approximately 1,700 residents situated where the plains meet the mountains. Teton County includes roughly 2,293 square miles and has a total population of about 6,100 residents as of recent estimates. Teton County was established in 1893 and named after the Teton River, which flows through Teton County.
- Teton County's position along the Rocky Mountain Front provides exceptional wildlife habitat and scenic beauty.
Teton County is renowned for its dramatic geography where the Great Plains abruptly meet the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex and the Rocky Mountain Front, creating one of the most spectacular scene transitions in North America. Major landmarks include Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area, a critical stopover for migrating waterfowl including snow geese and tundra swans, and portions of the Lewis and Clark National Forest. The economy historically centered on agriculture, particularly cattle ranching and wheat farming, with tourism and outdoor recreation growing in importance.
Teton County Courthouse is. Teton Clerk and Recorder maintains property records, the County Clerk oversees elections and vital records, and the Montana Department of Revenue manages property valuations and tax assessments. Teton County is rich in paleontological significance, with numerous dinosaur fossil discoveries near Choteau, earning it recognition as a world-class fossil site.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Teton County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Teton County. The office patrols rural regions, manages Teton County jail, and processes arrests. It also maintains criminal records and provides various community services, including search and rescue operations.
Police Departments
In addition to Teton County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Teton County is provided by municipal police departments in cities such as Choteau and Fairfield. Each department is responsible for maintaining law and order within its respective city limits. The Choteau Police Department and Fairfield Police Department work closely with the Sheriff's Office to coordinate on major crimes and ensure full coverage across Teton County. This collaboration enhances the overall effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in Teton County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Teton County Sheriff's Office, Montana 59422, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Teton County. Teton County Jail houses inmates awaiting trial or serving short-term sentences, and inmate information can be obtained by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly during business hours.
- Written requests for arrest records should be submitted to the Sheriff's Office, and requesters may be charged reasonable copying fees.
- Requests should specify the individual's name and approximate date of arrest to help with searches.
Montana does not currently maintain a statewide centralized online inmate search system, so inquiries about current inmates must be directed to the Sheriff's Office. The City of Choteau, as the only incorporated county in Teton County, does not maintain a separate police department; law enforcement services are provided by the Sheriff's Office and the Montana Highway Patrol. Arrest records and booking information are considered public records under Montana's Constitutional Right to Know provisions (Article II, Section 9 of the Montana Constitution) and the Montana Public Records Act (Title 2, Chapter 6, MCA).
Mugshots and booking photographs are generally available as part of arrest records, though the Sheriff's Office may redact certain information to protect ongoing investigations or juvenile identities. Teton County does not currently offer online mugshot databases.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Teton County cover a wide range of information, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry data. Residents can conduct background checks through the Montana Department of Justice, which provides access to statewide criminal records. This system ensures that individuals and businesses in Teton County can obtain reliable information for employment, housing, and other purposes.
- The sex offender registry is also accessible to the public, offering details on registered offenders residing in Teton County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Teton County are maintained by Teton County Sheriff's Office. These records provide detailed information about the arrest, including the date, charges, and arresting officer. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The process is governed by the Montana Public Records Act, which ensures transparency and public access to government records. Arrest records typically include personal information, charges, and court dates, providing a summary of the individual's legal situation.
Jail & Inmate Records
Teton County Detention Center, located in Choteau, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested within Teton County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information of the detainees. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to access information about current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in Montana allows for the release of detainees under certain conditions, and information on recently arrested individuals can be obtained through the Sheriff's Office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Teton County are taken and retained by Teton County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While Montana does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals can request the removal of their mugshots from certain online databases by contacting the site administrators. Mugshots are often used with arrest records to provide a complete picture of an individual's arrest history.
Courts & Case Records
Teton County's judicial system operates under Montana's Fourth Judicial District Court, with Teton County Courthouse, Choteau, MT 59422 Teton County Court has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $12,000, divorce and family law cases, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. Teton County Justice Court handles misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, small claims up to $7,000, and conducts initial appearances and preliminary hearings for felony charges.
- Copying fees are typically $0.50 per page for standard documents, with certified copies costing an additional fee.
- Case searches can be requested by case number, party name, or attorney name, and the Clerk's office staff can assist with locating specific filings.
The Justice Court is located in the same courthouse building and can be contacted through the office’s website. Montana's court system provides public access to court records through the Montana Judicial Branch's Public Access to Court Information system, though Teton County records may have limited online availability depending on case type and age. In-person record searches can be conducted at the Clerk of District Court office during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Public access to court records is governed by Montana Code Annotated Title 3, Chapter 1, Part 8, and the Montana Supreme Court's Rules on Access to Judicial Records.
Certain records, including sealed cases, juvenile matters, and adoption files, are restricted from public access.
Property & Public Records
Teton County Clerk and Recorder's Office, MT 59422, maintains all property and land records for Teton County. The office can be reached at and is open Monday through Friday during standard business hours. The Recorder's office maintains official records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens (mechanics liens, judgment liens, tax liens), easements, rights-of-way, subdivision plats, surveys, and other instruments affecting real property title.
- Teton County does not currently offer a full online property records search system, so document searches typically require an in-person visit or written request to the Recorder's office.
- Copying fees are established by Montana statute at $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, with certified copies requiring an additional certification fee.
- Requests for certified copies of recorded documents should be submitted in writing with specific document information including book and page number or reception number if known.
These records are indexed by grantor, grantee, and legal description and are available for public inspection under Montana's public records laws. Teton Montana Department of Revenue's Office, also located in the courthouse, maintains property tax assessment records, parcel information, and ownership data for tax purposes. The Assessor can be contacted through the office’s website. Property tax payment information is handled by the County Treasurer for While a full online GIS system may not be available, basic property tax and assessment information may be accessible through the Montana Department of Revenue's property search system.
Vital Records
Vital records for Teton County, Montana, are maintained both at Teton County level and by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Statistics. Birth and death certificates occurring in Teton County can be requested through Teton County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 100 Main Avenue North, Choteau, MT 59422 Birth certificate copies cost $12.00 for the first copy and $7.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates follow the same fee structure.
- Only eligible persons may request certified copies, including the registrant (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, or those with a documented legal interest.
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required, and requesters must complete an application specifying their relationship to the registrant.
- Processing time is typically 1-2 weeks for in-person or mailed requests.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Teton County Clerk's Office with a $53.00 fee; there is no waiting period in Montana.
For faster service or older records, the Montana Office of Vital Statistics in Helena can be contacted at or through their website at dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/vitalrecords. The state office maintains birth records from 1907 forward and death records from 1954 forward, with some earlier records available. Marriage certificates can be obtained from Teton County where the license was issued.
Divorce decrees are available through the Clerk of District Court. Montana vital records law is codified in Title 50, Chapter 15 of Montana Code Annotated, which governs registration, amendment, and access to vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Teton County, Montana, involves both county-level and state-level requirements depending on the business type and activities. Teton County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 100 Main Avenue North, Choteau, MT 59422, accepts filings for Doing Business As (DBA) names and fictitious business names operating in Teton County. These registrations are public records available for inspection.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online business entity database at sosmt.gov where the public can search for registered businesses, view filing history, registered agents, and business status.
- This free online search tool provides access to business names, registration dates, principal addresses, and officer information.
- The Golden Triangle Development Corporation serves Teton County including Teton County and provides economic development support.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the Montana Secretary of State's Business Services Bureau. Professional and occupational licenses are regulated by Montana's Department of Labor and Industry through various professional licensing boards. Local business licenses or operational permits may be required by the City of Choteau for businesses operating within city limits; inquiries should be directed to Choteau City Hall for Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Teton County Planning Department.
The Choteau Chamber of Commerce, reachable through local business networks, promotes business activity and tourism in Teton County Seat.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Teton County, Montana, are administered by Teton County Clerk and Recorder, serving as the Election Administrator, Choteau, MT 59422. The office can be contacted through the office’s website. voter registration information, polling place locations, and absentee ballot requests. Voter registration in Montana is available online through the Montana Secretary of State's My Voter Page at app.mt.gov/voterinfo, by mail, or in person at the County Election Office. Montana law allows election-day registration, but voters are encouraged to register in advance.
- In the 2024 general election, Teton County turnout was approximately 70-72% of registered voters.
- Montana offers no-excuse absentee voting; any registered voter may request an absentee ballot by submitting a written request to the County Election Office, available online or by mail.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received by 5:00 PM the day before Election Day.
- Montana law (Title 13, MCA) provides for transparent election administration with public testing of voting equipment, observation rights for candidates and parties, and public access to election records.
The deadline for regular registration is noon on the day before Election Day; late registration is available on Election Day at Teton County election office or polling place with proof of identity and residency. Montana voters must provide a current Montana driver's license, state ID, or other acceptable identification documents. Polling places in Teton County are assigned based on voter residence; voters can verify their polling location through the My Voter Page or by contacting the Election Office.
Public election records include registered voter lists (available for purchase for political purposes), campaign finance reports filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, candidate filing information, and official election results by precinct. Teton County, like most rural Montana counties, typically experiences voter turnout between 65-75% in presidential general elections, with lower turnout in midterm and primary elections. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races, potential U.S. Senate contests, Montana statewide offices including Governor (if scheduled), state legislative seats, and county offices.
Economy & Demographics
Teton County's economy is fundamentally rooted in agriculture, with cattle ranching and dryland wheat farming dominating the scene and employment sectors. Teton County lies within Montana's Golden Triangle agricultural region, known for high-quality wheat production. Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting account for a significantly higher proportion of employment compared to state and national averages. The median household income in Teton County is estimated at approximately $52,000-$56,000, slightly below Montana's state median.
- The proximity to the Rocky Mountain Front provides opportunities for conservation-related employment and hunting/fishing guide services.
Major employers include agricultural operations, the Choteau school district, healthcare providers including Teton Medical Center, county government, and retail businesses serving the local population. Tourism and outdoor recreation represent growing economic sectors, with visitors attracted to the Rocky Mountain Front, Bob Marshall Wilderness access, Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area, and paleontological tourism related to dinosaur discoveries. The Old Trail Museum in Choteau highlights Teton County's natural and cultural history.
Unemployment rates in Teton County typically track close to or slightly above Montana's state average, with seasonal variations related to agricultural cycles. Teton County's economy faces challenges common to rural Great Plains communities, including population decline, limited diversification, and distance from major markets. Economic development efforts focus on supporting existing agricultural operations, promoting heritage and eco-tourism, attracting retirees and remote workers drawn to quality of life and scenery, and maintaining essential services.
Energy development has minimal presence compared to eastern Montana counties.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Limited: Online | Property: Limited: In-Person/Phone Required | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Only | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State Level) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 5/10, Teton County provides standard access to public records primarily through in-person and telephone requests, with limited online databases; state-level resources supplement county access.